Happy Friday readers, the weekend is in sight and I can't believe how fast the weeks are flying by.

I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend but until then .... grab a brew, a rich tea and have a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.

You will also see that throughout June we are running a fabulous competition to win tickets to 'Beyond Van Gogh' or 'Beyond Monet' for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. This competition can only be won by one of our amazing newsletter subscribers.

Todays thought for the day ... “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” - Sydney J. Harris

Enjoy the read and have a great weekend wherever you are reading this.

Justin Doddy, Editor

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures and stories from around Bassetlaw, we may feature them in our newsletter.

Wartime story preserved through council funding

A mother’s wartime story has been preserved for future generations after securing funding from Bassetlaw District Council.

A book called ‘Little Me and the Untold Story’, a wartime story of resilience has been published and delves into the life of Květa, a 16-year-old girl who escaped from Prague a few months after the start of World War Two.

Květa is the mother of Gillian Hatley-Warnes, who lives in the district, and this full story has been made possible through the council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The first part of the book was written by Květa, with Gill adding a follow-on account of her Mum and Dad’s lives and what happened to Květa’s family.

Alan Withington has been involved in using Gill’s research and putting the parts together. He said: “The book, ‘Little Me and the Untold Story’ holds an important message for modern Britain to reject all forms of hate and choose a kinder way of being.

“The talks Gill gives about her mother’s life in many venues around Bassetlaw, reminds us that our personal choice to live by kindness is the most powerful thing we can contribute to our world.”

Gillian, who brings her mother’s story to life at presentations across the district, also shares how Květa was one of only two surviving family members, the rest of her family having perished in Majdanek concentration camp.

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: ““We are pleased to have supported this project through our UKSPF funding and community support.

“I witnessed Gill’s work in the community when she brought artefacts and delivered a talk to young people at Carlton Youth Centre before they travelled to Poland to visit Auschwitz.

“‘Little Me’ is a powerful account of resilience, and it will help safeguard a personal history of the Second World War for years to come.”

Bassetlaw Museum currently has a limited number of copies for sale. A copy has also been sent to The Jewish Museum in Prague for their archives, while any donations made from Gillian’s talks are also being sent there.

Bank of England Holds Interest Rate at 3.75%

The Bank of England has announced that the Bank Rate will remain at 3.75%, as policymakers continue to monitor inflation and the impact of ongoing global events on the UK economy.

The latest inflation rate has fallen to 2.8%, moving closer to the Bank's target of 2%, but officials have warned that inflation could rise again later this year.

A key concern remains the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted energy supplies and pushed up fuel and utility costs. While energy prices have eased from their initial spike, uncertainty remains over future prices and their impact on households and businesses.

The Bank of England highlighted that:

🔹 Inflation has fallen to 2.8% but may increase again in the coming months
🔹 Higher energy costs can lead to increased prices for goods and services
🔹 Rising household bills may create pressure for higher wages
🔹 Demand for workers remains relatively subdued, which may help contain wage growth
🔹 Interest rates remain higher than they were before the recent energy market disruption

The Monetary Policy Committee said its priority is to ensure that temporary increases in costs do not become long-term inflation problems, helping to protect economic stability and bring inflation back to its 2% target over the medium term.

The Bank of England base rate is the UK's official borrowing rate. It dictates the interest the central bank charges commercial banks. For mortgages, it acts as the baseline for the interest rates lenders charge you:

• Tracker Mortgages: Your rate automatically moves up or down in line with the base rate.
• Standard Variable Rates (SVR): Lenders set these themselves. They usually rise and fall with the base rate, but lenders aren't legally forced to pass changes on.
• Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Changes to the base rate do not affect your monthly payments during your fixed period

📅 The next Bank Rate decision is due on 30 July 2026.

Celebrating Shared Lives Week 2025

As part of Shared Lives Week (15–19 June), Nottinghamshire County Council is celebrating the incredible carers who help people live independently in a supportive family home environment.

This year's theme, "Shout About Shared Lives – Care Worth Talking About", is perfectly reflected in Joyce’s inspiring story. Since moving in with her Shared Lives carer, Mary, in 2016, Joyce has enjoyed a stable, happy and fulfilling life, remaining connected to her local community, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying holidays, clubs and activities.

At 77, Joyce describes living with Mary as an important part of her life and says she feels very much part of the family.

Shared Lives offers adults who need support the opportunity to live independently while becoming part of a caring household. It provides not just practical support, but friendship, belonging and opportunities to thrive.

Nottinghamshire County Council have issued a huge thank you to all their Shared Lives carers for the life-changing difference they make every day.

If you think you could become a Shared Lives carer and help transform someone's life, find out more on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.

Keep Red Arrows British-made, even if it means delays

By: Jamie Waller, LDRS

The new Red Arrows should be made by a British company even if it means they’re temporarily out of action, Lincolnshire’s council leader has said.

The aerial acrobatics team’s Hawk T1 jets are due to be retired in 2030, but the British company aiming to build a replacement has collapsed.

The Ministry for Defence says they’re currently looking for a new provider for the iconic team, which is based at RAF Waddington. 

Lincolnshire County Council leader Sean Matthews said the government should wait for another local company to come forward, rather than turn to foreign options.

“I do hope there’s a British company to take up building replacement for Red Arrows, and I’m sure there will be,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“We need to demonstrate how brilliant they are in British-built planes. If it delays service, so be it. I’d much rather keep it local. 

“To have them flying around the world in a foreign-made aircraft would be a bit of a shame.

“I want to keep them in Lincolnshire, practising over my office every morning.”

He said he also wanted to see the team back to their full strength, after news that they would fly with fewer jets to preserve the ageing aircraft.

The current fleet has been in use since the 1980s and is nearing the end of its life.

British company Aeralis, which was hoping to supply the new jets, collapsed in May, partly blaming a delay in the government’s defence investment plan.

The government insisted it was standing by the team during a House of Commons debate last week.

Minister for Defence Readiness Luke Pollard said:

“We are committed to the Red Arrows, and there will be a competition to replace them, as well as the Hawk T1 and T2 training system, which provides the pilots of the future. 

“That will be a competitive process, and it will be up to companies to provide a design, an option, and a training system to support it. 

“That competition will launch in due course.” 

All nine jets were used for the flypast over Buckingham Palace for the King’s Birthday Parade over the weekend.

However, they will be down to seven for the rest of the season, apart from an Independence Day event in the USA.

Our three interesting facts for today ....

Claude Monet paid a gardener to dust his water lilies before he painted them

In 1985, New York City had 2,000 mobile phones but only 12 of them could be used at any one time

When Icelandic women staged an equal-pay protest by refusing to do any cooking, all the supermarkets ran out of sausages

❤️🤠 Final Call for Tickets: Community Barn Dance & BBQ Supporting Rick Grant 🤠❤️

The local community is being encouraged to come together for a special evening of fun, friendship and fundraising in support of Retford resident Rick Grant, who is living with a rare and challenging form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

📅 Saturday 20th June
📍 The Big Barn, Manor Farm, Oldcotes
🕔 5:00pm – 10:30pm

Organised in partnership with North Notts Business Connections, Manor Farm Oldcotes, Physio Pilates Retford and The Driving Instructor, this heartwarming event aims to raise vital funds to help Rick and his family with the cost of essential medical equipment and ongoing care needs.

💙 Every ticket purchased will make a genuine difference, helping to provide much-needed support and peace of mind as Rick and his loved ones navigate the challenges of this life-limiting condition.

Guests can enjoy:

🎶 Live entertainment and boot-stompin' barn dancing
🍔 A delicious BBQ included in the ticket price
🍻 Fully licensed saloon bar
🎟️ Raffle (cash required for tickets)
🏆 Auction with fantastic prizes
🍦 Manor Farm Ice Cream Parlour open throughout the evening

Whether you're a seasoned line dancer or simply looking for a great night out for a wonderful cause, everyone is welcome. Families, friends, neighbours and supporters are encouraged to attend — and don't forget your cowboy hats! 🤠⭐

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out!

Book your tickets here:
Ticket Booking Page

Let's come together as a community to show Rick and his family they're not facing this journey alone. ❤️

Bassetlaw is the East Midlands' 10th best place to be single in 2026

Lincoln is the best place in the East Midlands to be single in 2026, new research has revealed ranking fifth of 346 UK local authorities for single life, with 62.9% of adults legally single and an annual one-bedroom rent of £7,944.

Bassetlaw took 10th place in the East Midlands and was ranked 81st of 346 nationally.

Nottingham takes second place in the region and 11th nationally, with the 10th-highest share of single adults in the country at 64.7%.

Derbyshire Dales completes the regional podium with the UK's best ratio of pubs and bars to people, at 26.2 for every 10,000 adults.

New research ranks 346 local authorities across England, Wales and Scotland on five measures: dating pool, affordability, dining and daytime venues, nightlife, and safety.

The new index commissioned by adult services site AdultWork scored England, Wales and Scotland on five weighted measures that are key considerations for a single person: the size of the local dating pool (30%), the affordability of a one-bedroom rental against local wages (20%), dining and daytime venues per 10,000 adults (15%), nightlife venues per 10,000 adults (20%), and safety (15%). Each area received a freedom index score out of 100.

First place: Lincoln

Lincoln's greatest strength is its dating pool: 62.9% of the city's adults are legally single — the 19th-highest share in the country, amounting to 54,725 people. Singles also have plenty of places to meet, with 399 cafes and restaurants working out at 45.8 for every 10,000 adults, the 43rd-best ratio of the 346 areas studied. An average one-bedroom rent of £7,944 a year takes up 25.7% of the local median wage of £30,930, and the city's final freedom index score of 60.98 out of 100 makes it the fifth-best place to be single in the UK.

Second place: Nottingham

Nottingham follows in second, ranking 11th nationally with a score of 58.09. The city has the region's biggest dating pool by a distance — 171,110 single adults, or 64.7% of the adult population, the 10th-highest proportion in the study — plus more than 1,000 cafes and restaurants. A one-bedroom rental averages £8,784 a year against a local median wage of £27,617.

Third place: Derbyshire Dales

Third in the region and 13th nationally, Derbyshire Dales boasts the best ratio of pubs and bars to people anywhere in the study — its 160 venues equate to 26.2 per 10,000 adults. The area is also one of the country's safer spots, ranking 31st of 346 for safety with 45.3 recorded crimes per 1,000 people, while a one-bedroom rent of £6,924 takes just 21.1% of the local median wage. Its overall score is 57.70.

East Lindsey, home to much of the Lincolnshire coast, lands 15th nationally on the strength of its venues – 765 cafes and restaurants give it the 11th-best dining ratio in the country at 63.0 per 10,000 adults, and its 288 pubs and bars represent the third-best nightlife ratio, while a one-bedroom rent averages just £6,036 a year. High Peak rounds out the regional top five in 35th place nationally, scoring 54.85.

At the other end of the regional table, Oadby and Wigston is the East Midlands' lowest-ranked area at 294th of 346, with Rushcliffe (270th) and Blaby (267th) just ahead of it.

Nationally, the top spot went to Norwich, which scored 63.78 out of 100 thanks to its large single population, followed by Liverpool and Powys in mid Wales. The East Midlands performs strongly overall, placing six areas in the UK's top 50, while eight of the ten lowest-ranked areas in the study are in London and the South East, where high rents and modest dating pools are the common factor.

Source: AdultWork UK Freedom Index, 2026.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for AdultWork, said:

"This index challenges the idea that single life in Britain happens mainly in London. The capital still offers a huge dating pool, but the cost of living there means most single people end up paying half their wages in rent before they even think about going out. Smaller cities like Norwich, Liverpool, Lincoln and Dundee offer a much better balance of affordability, social infrastructure and a substantial single population, while Powys and Gwynedd show that rural Wales is genuinely competitive too. Wherever someone chooses to live as a single adult in 2026, the data suggests their money goes a lot further outside the South East."

Win tickets to see Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet

Win a pair of tickets or a family ticket (5 tickets) for Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

To be in the draw all you need to do is sign up to our 100% Free daily digital newsletter. Current subscribers will be entered automatically.

Full details can be found at:   https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/competition-2/ .

📰 MISTERTON NEWS

Thursday 18 June 2026

📞 01427 891376
Content courtesy of Cllr Hazel Brand, Misterton Ward

🐻🍯 Winnie the Pooh is 100 – Let's Party!

Misterton Parish Council is hosting a FREE Family Fun Day on:

📅 Saturday 1 August | ⏰ 2pm-6pm
📍 Old School Field, Wharf Road

Enjoy storytelling, fancy dress, colouring and story-writing competitions, live music, children's entertainment, hog roast, bar, raffle and the Village Champion Awards presented by Cllr Hazel Brand. Dress as your favourite Pooh character!

📧 Competition entries: themistertoncentre@outlook.com or collect forms from Misterton Library.

📚 Library Volunteers

Parish Clerk Angela Harrison is inviting library volunteers to share feedback following recent staffing changes.

📞 To arrange an informal discussion: 01427 890646

🚮 Binfrastructure Strategy

Bassetlaw District Council is proposing a new strategy to reduce litter through improved bin placement, smart technology, education and continued enforcement against littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

Residents wishing to comment should contact Cllr Hazel Brand.

❤️ Volunteers Needed

Bassetlaw Action Centre is seeking:

🚗 Drivers | 🤝 Befrienders | 🏠 Hospital Discharge Volunteers | 🖥️ Administrators

✔️ Training provided
✔️ Expenses paid
✔️ Flexible hours

📞 01777 709650
📧 enquiries@actioncentre.org.uk
🌐 bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk

📅 Diary Dates

Regular Activities
🌺 Poppy Group – Mondays, 10am
🧘 Yoga & Pilates – Mondays, 9.45am (£7)
🙏 Morning Worship – Wednesdays, 10am
☕ Coffee Morning – Thursdays, 10am
🛒 Mobile Community Shop – Thursdays, 10.30am

Monthly
☕ Coffee Morning (2nd Tuesday)
📚 Book Club (2nd Thursday)
👩 Women's Group (3rd Wednesday)
☕ West Stockwith Coffee Morning (Last Wednesday)
🍳 Men's Breakfast (1st Saturday)

Upcoming Events
📅 26 June – District Councillor Surgery
📅 27 June – Fight Rural Crime Showcase & Charity Coffee Morning
📅 28 June – Holy Communion
📅 4 July – Misterton Gala
📅 11 & 18 July – History Walk & Talk
📅 1 August – Winnie the Pooh Party
📅 13 September – Make, Bake & Grow Show

📰 WEST STOCKWITH NEWS

Thursday 18 June 2026

📞 01427 891376
Content courtesy of Cllr Hazel Brand, Misterton Ward

🏫 School Building Update

Essential repairs and structural surveys are underway at Misterton Primary School.

Works include:
🔨 Building repairs
🚻 Temporary toilet facilities
🚧 Safety fencing
🏫 Temporary Year 1 classroom

Families will continue to receive updates as work progresses.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 PTA Members Wanted

The PTA is seeking new members to support school activities and fundraising.

📧 mbowers@misterton.notts.sch.uk
📧 hcousin@misterton.notts.sch.uk

❤️ Volunteers Needed

Bassetlaw Action Centre is looking for:

🚗 Drivers | 🤝 Befrienders | 🏠 Hospital Discharge Volunteers | 🖥️ Administrators

✔️ Training provided
✔️ Expenses paid
✔️ Flexible commitments

📞 01777 709650
📧 enquiries@actioncentre.org.uk
🌐 bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk

📅 Diary Dates

Regular Activities
🌺 Poppy Group – Mondays, 10am
🧘 Yoga & Pilates – Mondays, 9.45am
🙏 Morning Worship – Wednesdays, 10am
☕ Coffee Morning – Thursdays, 10am
🛒 Mobile Community Shop – Thursdays, 10.30am

Monthly
☕ Coffee Morning (2nd Tuesday)
📚 Book Club (2nd Thursday)
👩 Women's Group (3rd Wednesday)
☕ Coffee Morning (Last Wednesday)
🍳 Men's Breakfast (1st Saturday)

Upcoming Events
📅 26 June – District Councillor Surgery
📅 27 June – Fight Rural Crime Showcase & Charity Coffee Morning
📅 28 June – Holy Communion
📅 4 July – Misterton Gala
📅 9 July – Parish Council Meeting
📅 11 & 18 July – History Walk & Talk
📅 1 August – Winnie the Pooh Party
📅 13 September – Make, Bake & Grow Show

💙 Keeping our communities informed and connected.

Progress Update on Westmorland House Project

An Independent Living Centre in Harworth and Bircotes is set to welcome new residents following an extensive refurbishment programme.

Westmorland House will provide accessible one-bedroom apartments across two floors, bringing high quality, modern accessible and independent accommodation to older residents from across Bassetlaw.

The first residents are set to move in very soon with their homes benefiting from energy-efficient central heating, a fitted kitchen, level-access bathroom with shower facilities, waterproof flooring in key areas, and a 24-hour emergency call system with secure door entry and personal alarm.

Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates and Ward Member for Harworth and Bircotes, said: “It is with a great deal of pride that we will very soon welcome residents into this newly refurbished property.

“The independent living centres provide older residents with a good balance of independence, with ready support as needed. The units will be available through our choice based lettings system and we have also produced a guide to the local area for anyone who is interested in moving to Bircotes from across Bassetlaw. We look forward to welcoming you.”

The centre also offers a range of shared facilities to help residents stay active and connected, including a communal lounge with accessible toilet, a garden and courtyard space, a laundry room, lift access to the first floor, and secure storage for mobility scooters and buggies.

Bassetlaw District Council currently manages five Independent Living Centres in Worksop, Retford, Misterton and Harworth and Bircotes. The Housing Team has extensive experience supporting older residents, helping them settle in and make the most of the opportunities that independent living offers.

For further information or support, residents can contact the Housing Registration Team at housing.registration@bassetlaw.gov.uk.

Thanks so much for reading our local newsletter and for supporting us. We’re committed to providing Bassetlaw with the quality local news service it deserves, but sustaining this work may come with some challenges. Our team is currently discussing how to make Bassetlaw Today financially viable in the long term, and one option we’re considering is introducing a subscription model to help cover our costs.

We want to be open with you about these conversations so you’re aware that a fee may need to be introduced in the future. If that happens, we hope you’ll continue to stand with us and support the publication.

Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.

Justin Doddy, Editor

Bassetlaw Today

Thoughts, stories and ideas.

Bassetlaw TodayBassetlaw Today

P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk